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atomic

adjective

atom·​ic ə-ˈtä-mik How to pronounce atomic (audio)
Synonyms of atomicnext
1
a
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms
atomic physics
b
: nuclear sense 2
atomic energy
2
a
: marked by acceptance of the theory of atomism
3
: minute
4
of a chemical element : existing in the state of separate atoms
atomically adverb

Examples of atomic in a Sentence

made atomic adjustments to the clock's mechanism to keep it from whirring as it ran
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To achieve this, the team took a single atomic-thick layer of silver iodide (AgI) sandwiched between two graphene sheets. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 Dec. 2025 Facing a criminal autocrat, the United States needed to prepare for war with the Soviets by all possible means, including tactical atomic weapons delivered by bomber and rocket. Big Think, 27 Nov. 2025 Raphaële Clément, Associate Professor of Materials Department at UC Santa Barbara, explains why this is a challenging task that necessitates an atomic-level understanding of the inner workings of battery materials. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2025 China rejected this, but its growing atomic arsenal and attitude toward it could be a brake on Russia’s flirtation with nuclear war. Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for atomic

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomic was in 1678

Cite this Entry

“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

atomic

adjective
atom·​ic ə-ˈtäm-ik How to pronounce atomic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms, atomic bombs, or nuclear energy
atomic physics
the atomic age
atomic energy
2
: extremely small
3
: found in the state of separate atoms
atomic hydrogen

More from Merriam-Webster on atomic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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